IFE Firehouse World 2017

International Perspectives on Managing Firefighter Toxic Exposure Reducing Risk on the Fireground and in Live Fire Training

The Institution of Fire Engineers, USA Branch hosted an excellent professional development seminar conjunction with Firehouse World in San Diego, California on Monday, February 6, 2017.

This workshop provided participants with an examination of current research on toxic exposure during firefighting operations and international best practices in managing this risk. Participants also received information on practical steps that can be taken today to develop effective procedures and practices that can be implemented to improve safety during fireground operations and live fire training by reducing the risk of toxic exposure.

Presenters & Presentations

Dr. Stefan Svensson

Stefan has PhD in Fire Protection Engineering from Lund University in Sweden and works at the University as an Associate Professor, in charge of the fire laboratory at the University. During the past 20 years, he has been involved in experimental and theoretical investigations of firefighting tactics, including firefighting methods, command and control and safe and effective use of firefighting resources. He began his career as a firefighter in the Swedish Air Force and previously worked for the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency at one of their national firefighting academies. Stefan also serves as a part-time crew commander with his local fire brigade.

Dr. Gavin Horn

Gavin has a PhD in mechanical engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and serves as the Illinois Fire Service Institute (IFSI) director of research and is a volunteer firefighter/engineer with the Savoy (IL) Fire Department. He also serves as member of NFPA’s Technical Committee on Special Operations Clothing & Equipment and the Advisory Board for UL’s Firefighter Safety Research Institute.